Visitors to the Pirates of Emerson may need the proverbial "bottle of rum" to bolster their resolve this year. The pirates are back and boisterous as ever! New and exciting surprises are waiting for the brave - or foolhardy - who insist on sharing the pirate's spooky haunt. Known for dastardly deeds, the raucous Fremont lair is in a particularly feisty mood.

Hidden in dark corners most of the year, the Pirates of Emerson emerge on occasion to let the decent folk of our area know that they exist, survive and even thrive, waiting for the shroud of night; emerging to scare those who dare invade their turf. Frightening frolicking is the on the menu and they have made it known that the dessert may include a visitor or two.

Although many assume the world has reached the 21st Century, haunting pirates will have none of it. They remain in the 15th Century and take any intrusion of future manner, style or discourse as an affront to their world. Beware and forewarned that travel to the Pirates of Emerson is not for the faint of heart or children. These creatures of the netherworld are ruthless and unforgiving.

Born from the imagination of Fremont residents Karl and Patty Fields with the help of son Brian and neighborhood volunteers over 20 years ago. Each year a growing group of pirates, denizens of demonic decrepitude, are ready for Halloween fun, making it the ultimate Halloween fright experience. Listed by many groups as one of the top haunted attractions in the United States, representatives of the pirates caution that only the intrepid will survive the experience.

As Halloween, the ultimate night of ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night approaches, these pirates become more active on their home ground at the intersection of Warm Springs Blvd. and Grimmer Blvd. in Fremont. Informed sources warn that the annual gathering of ghostly swashbucklers will be particularly active this year.

Outside the pirate compound, a "renaissance atmosphere" appears innocuous enough but once inside the gates, things change. Scummy pirates lurk and adventures beckon to lure the unsuspecting to heart-stopping encounters. Special effects, robotics and animatronics are pirate specialties so for those who enter the world of the Pirates of Emerson, a different reality emerges; the front gate, automobiles and modern civilization become surreal and superfluous; survival is paramount.

The Pirates of Emerson have issued advance warning and caution to those who dare enter their world. Sensible society will remain clear of this vortex of chaos, but for those who insist on challenging pirate supremacy, put personal affairs in order and hug loved ones especially tight before taking the challenge. The rest of us will wait, watch and hope for a safe return.

Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult, high heels are not recommended. Credit cards, checks and ATM cards are not accepted at the ticket window; however, you can order your tickets online at www.piratesofemerson.com. This show is wheelchair accessible. This attraction is not for the meek - there are no "Good Fairies" available for scaredy cats.